Abia State Sets N120 Billion IGR Target for 2025, Launches Statewide Data Enumeration and Automation Drive
In a bold move to boost revenue and enhance service delivery, the Abia State Government has announced a N120 billion Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) target for the year 2025. To support this ambitious goal, the government has commenced a comprehensive statewide tax enumeration and automation exercise, aimed at capturing real-time data on buildings, businesses, and residents across the state.
This was disclosed during a press conference in Umuahia by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, who highlighted the progressive achievements of Governor Alex Otti’s administration over the past 23 months. He noted that significant milestones had been reached in infrastructure renewal, education, healthcare, and economic development.
“Our ambition for 2025 is even greater than what we have achieved so far. To meet the rising needs of Ndi Abia and deliver fully on the promises of this new era, the government is unlocking every viable avenue of Internally Generated Revenue. We are confident that with the support of our people, we will meet and even surpass our 120 billion Naira target by year-end,” Kanu said.
The tax enumeration and automation initiative is being executed in partnership with Access Bank and is integrated with the Abia State Social Identification Number (ABSSIN). This innovative approach is expected to improve tax compliance, foster equitable tax administration, and provide a reliable database for effective planning and distribution of social services.
Kanu emphasized that the database would aid revenue forecasting and help the government channel resources effectively to where they are needed most.
Also speaking, the Honourable Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Uwaoma Ukandu, thanked the people of Abia for their steadfast support and underscored the need for sustainable funding to maintain the pace of ongoing development.
“The visible progress we’ve made requires sustainable funding. With Ndi Abia’s continued cooperation, we are optimistic about achieving our ambitious targets,” Ukandu noted.
The Chairman of the Abia State Internal Revenue Service (ABIRS), Professor Udochukwu Ogbonna, described the enumeration exercise as a pivotal component of the state’s revenue strategy. He stressed that the initiative is not just about increasing income but also about improving security and building a comprehensive profile of the state’s demographics and economy.
“It’s not just about revenue. The government is equally committed to securing the lives and property of our people,” Ogbonna said. “We encourage everyone to show good faith by supporting this administration through prompt tax payment. Those who have not been paying should understand that it is both a civic responsibility and a way to strengthen the government’s capacity to deliver.”
He also appealed to residents and business owners to cooperate fully with officials during the enumeration process.
The press briefing was attended by key government functionaries, including the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), Mr. Emmanuel Okpechi, among others.
As the Otti-led administration advances its reform agenda, the success of this enumeration and automation exercise is expected to lay a strong foundation for fiscal sustainability, inclusive growth, and improved public services in Abia State.
